Different Connectors and Where they are Used

What do we mean by electrical connectors?

The term electrical connectors can refer to any number of pieces of equipment that are used to connect one wire or cable to another, or to terminate a wire or cable. Another way to think about it is that electrical connectors are simply used to connect electrical parts together. The reason that there are so many different electrical connector types is that different applications require different solutions. This article is aimed at identifying the most common types of electrical connectors you’ll use, where to use them, and how to use them. The first thing to do is look at the different electrical connector types.

"The reason that there are so many different electrical connector types is that different applications require different solutions."

Electrical connector types

The most common type of electrical connectors are crimp connectors. Crimp connectors are any type of electrical connector that requires a crimp to be properly installed. A crimp is where a metal terminal is bent around a stripped wire. Think of it like this, a wire connector has a hollow barrel that a stripped wire is inserted into. That hollow barrel is then crushed, or crimped, to compress and form around the wire creating a semi-permanent bond. So many of the types of electrical connectors we use on a daily basis are considered crimp connectors.

The other common type of connector is simply referred to as electrical connectors.  These are basically anything that is not a crimp connector (although technically crimp connectors are electrical connectors). That means they require a different method for installation. It could be soldering, compression seals, or any other form of connection that does not require a crimp.

Now that we have covered the basic explanation of electrical connectors, you should understand why crimp connectors are considered separately. Let us take a look at the various types of crimp connectors you are likely to run into.

Types of crimp connectors

Crimp connectors come in a vast array of styles and types. This is due to the fact that different applications have different criteria and as such, need different solutions. A fork terminal cannot perform the same function as a butt splice and vice versa. This is why is it imperative to know in which applications each connector excels and, better yet, how and where to use them.

Click on any of the terminal names below to be taken to that connectors section.

Or Jump directly to the installation video section.

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Rings

Ring terminals are one of the most common types of electrical wire connectors you’re likely to run into. They offer a solid connection with zero chance of disconnection at the stud. One reason they are such a common connector is the fact that they are extremely easily to install and maintain. One advantage of ring terminals is that they can be easily disconnected when needed. These types of crimp connectors are ideal for busbars, terminal blocks, and feed-through-connectors. Basically anywhere you need to create a semi-permanent electrical connection.

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Forks

PRO TIP: Using Epoxy-Lined Heat Shrink will give your electrical connections the highest protection against environmental hazards possible.

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Lugs

Lugs are quite different from ring terminals. They are generally larger, and as such, meant more for cable than wire. They have a larger diameter body and are usually closed off at one end for high-level protection. Since these types of crimp connectors are built to be more durable, lugs can handle more weight, more current, and heavier exposure to elemental conditions. Oftentimes, these types of crimp connectors are used in connecting the battery to other batteries or pieces of equipment.

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Splices

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Disconnects

Not all applications call for permanent electrical connections. This is where disconnects are meant to excel. These types of crimp connectors are built for field serviceability, built specifically to be connected, disconnected, and connected again. This makes them ideal for applications where maintenance and repair are considerations. To make them even better, they can be installed permanently if desired. Disconnect terminals come in a wide range of styles in order to meet different demands.

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PRO TIP: Disconnects are perfect electrical connectors for field service and can handle tough industrial conditions.

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Bullets

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Wire Ferrules

Wire ferrules are primarily used to create a solid wire out of stranded wire. Basically, the wire ferrule is a sleeve that fits over a stranded wire. Once crimped, the barrel of the ferrule is like a solid wire. This makes them ideal for use on European terminal blocks and other locations where a screw is used to clamp down on a wire. These crimp connectors are perfect for harsh environmental conditions. Without a wire ferrule, the screw would cause a stranded wire to fray and lose contact. That, in turn, would cause a loss in conductivity.

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Wire Joints

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Piggyback Connectors

Piggyback electrical wire connectors are used when multiple connections are required. More specifically, they are used when a limited number of male tabs are available to connect to. Piggybacks electrical wire connectors allow another tab type connector to snap into its back. Simply put, they let you connect to a female connector while accepting a separate male connector. They are built to be easy to use and durable in the harshest marine conditions out there.

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Battery Posts

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Installation Videos:

Below you will find multiple videos showing you the proper way to install various types of crimp connectors. Each of the types of crimp connectors we offer will have a video here making installation that much easier.